Question
Jim,
I have a 13-year old Bradford Pear in my slopping front yard in Pittsburgh, PA.  I think I've done a fair job of pruning it over the years.  Each year however, i have to deal with extensive root suckers at the base that seem to be increasing.  I cut them away several times each spring and summer season and they always grow back.  I want to eliminate them permanently if possible.  The roots from which the suckers grow are exposed which makes me think that perhaps my landscaper didn't plant the tree bulb deep enough.  I've never tried simply covering the roots with more soil.  Would that work and, if so, how deep does the cover need to be. I've considered chopping out the exposed roots entirely, but that seems a bit radical and potentially damaging to the tree.  Can you advise?

Thanks,

Dan


Answer
Bradford pear do have roots that will come close to or at the surface of the ground. And the roots do tend to sprout "suckers" when they are exposed. The exposed roots can be covered with not more than 3 inches of soil. For a lawn sand works  good and also helps the grass. The grass will grow quickly through the sand.
Chopping out the roots will damage the tree and cause it to loose some of its foliage. It is not a good idea. The sprouts cam be cut off as they appear. They can not be eliminated permanently but will be less if the exposed roots are covered.